Government to penalize failure to report child abuse

The justice ministry said Sunday it will propose a law that would fine people up to 5 million won ($4,873) for failing to report child abuse.

The law would also give a prosecutor the authority to keep track of a case through a committee made up of police, doctors, lawyers and welfare workers, the ministry said.

The law, to be formally proposed on Monday, will fine people who know of but neglect to report suspected child abuse.

"This is intended for not just closing the case by punishing the abuser but for actively protecting victimized children from continued abuse," the ministry said.

The law would also enable the ministry to levy a 5 million won fine on suspected abusers who violate court order restricting contact with or proximity to victims.

A prosecutor will be given the authority to convene a meeting of a team of specialists comprising police officers, child protection agents, doctors and lawyers to determine the appropriate assistance for victims, separation from abusive parents and other protective measures.

The ministry said it is aiming for the law's enactment by September. (Yonhap)